Little Mud River is almost universally acknowledged to be the worst section of the entire AICW run from Norfolk, VA to Miami, FL. This “AICW Problem Stretch” lies some 21 statute miles north of Brunswick, Georgia. Despite recent reports of improving depths, we still recommend navigating this stretch at mid to high tide only.

I traveled through Little Mud River on Sunday December 2 at 12:33PM to 12:48PM ‘“ about 1 hour before mid-tide ebbing. A high tide of 7.56′ occurred at 10:18AM. Lowest reading observed was 11.2’. Adjusted MWL would be 8.48′ between R194 and G195.
Other boaters have reported that this area has a very soft bottom so it’s possible I was reading through the soft mud to the harder bottom and that the depth is slightly less than my findings.
However, there are also reports of recent commercial traffic with tugs and barges in this area. One first hand account saw a tug with 8′ marking on the bow plow through Little Mud River at dead low tide. I think it’s safe to conclude that caution needs to be observed simply because of the area’s reputation, but it is certainly safe to navigate Little Mud River at mid-tide or less.
Hugh 17

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For Little Mud River

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch